Top tips

Image by Kathy VanDeventer from Pixabay

Kauaʻi is at the northern arc of the Hawaiian archipelago. Green, even compared to the other islands in the group, and covered in lush tropical rainforests, Kauaʻi is regularly referred to as the ‘Garden Isle’, but it’s quite a wild garden, with peaks like crocodile teeth, and dramatically dropping waterfalls. The coastline is gentler, and that’s where the largest centres and resort towns are. Because the wind here makes all the difference in weather conditions and terrain, Kauaʻi is often divided into four regions, the South Shore, the North Shore, the East Side and the West Side. There are centres in each region, but it’s not a bad idea to start your search by the weather conditions you most fancy:

• The South Shore of Kauaʻi is sunny and dry for most of the year, so this is the best region to plan for if you’re hoping for some winter sun. The beaches are pretty easy to access, and the waters are calm — and home to seals and turtles! So this is a good choice for families.
• Kauaʻi’s North Shore is greener and more mountainous, rising up dramatically right from the beach in some places. The coastline is more dramatic here, too; there are some spectacularly beautiful beaches, but it is also great for hiking. One of Kauaʻi’s main towns, Hanalei, is on the North Shore.
• The East Side of Kauaʻi is the most populated part of the island. This is where you’ll find the largest range of accommodation, as well as lots of places to eat, drink and shop. There’s plenty to do here, but the beaches aren’t quite as special as those on the northern and southern shores. This part of Kauaʻi is often referred to as the Coconut Coast, because of its many swaying palms.
• Kauaʻi’s West Side is less developed than the island’s other regions, but it’s a real natural beauty with canyons, barren mountains and narrow, but lush, valleys. Most visitors just visit the West Side, but if you’re looking for peace, quiet and spectacular scenery, one of the handful of accommodation options here might suit you.

Our Guide to the Neighbourhoods of Kauaʻi

From Hawaii Gaga Holiday Renta

Poipu & Koloa, South Shore

Flickr user John B. Kalla

With reliably sunny weather and great beaches, the resorts and towns of the South Shore are a popular base on Kauaʻi. There’s plenty of accommodation from simple beach hotels, condos and apartments to luxurious resorts. Both Poipu and Koloa are towns with charm, as well as beaches. The South Shore centres are great places to dive and even sail. Both offer whale watching tours in the winter months and the sight of sea turtles and seals in the warmer months. Poipu Beach is the larger, and a good choice for families — it's long, shallow and sandy and it’s got a memorable playground too. Away from the water, there are coffee plantations, botanical gardens, and incredible hikes. And, if you like a spot of shopping, Old Koloa Town has galleries and boutiques, alongside some historic places to eat and drink.

Lāwaʻi, South Shore

By Daderot. - Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0

Lāwaʻi is a smaller and less bustling South Shore centre. This hidden gem boasts glorious tropical gardens and parks, which are its main sights. The 200 acres of the McBryde Gardens attract visitors from other islands. Lāwaʻi has a few shops and restaurants, but those it has are high quality. Lāwaʻi is known locally for its sunsets, plus it's great for surfing, snorkelling, and seal and turtle spotting. Lāwaʻi Beach has a shorter sand shelf than other beaches on Kauaʻi, and at low tide you’re not far from the coral reef. There’s not a huge amount of accommodation, but there’s something for most budgets.

Hanalei, North Shore

Image by havilandwright from Pixabay

With the backdrop of the North Shore’s verdant interior, and set on the edge of spectacular, crescent-shaped Hanalei Bay, Hanalei is a year-round classic tropical island paradise. In the summer months, the bay is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and learning to surf; and you can go fishing off the pier or out in the ocean. In the winter months, the waves start to really crash and roll in — and the more experienced surfers do the same. On land activities include hiking, caving and climbing. Some of the spectacular coastline around Hanalei is inaccessible by car, so you have to hike in, or helicopter over to enjoy some of the most spectacular views on the island. Hanalei itself is a charming town, with shops and galleries, and a good selection of places to eat, drink, and stay.

Kīlauea, North Shore

Image by havilandwright from Pixabay

Kīlauea is a smaller North Shore centre, with a charming, post-plantation look and feel, and some interesting local businesses including galleries, artisan food producers, cafes, bars and restaurants. Even the local historic lighthouse has been turned into a bistro. What Kīlauea is best known for are its beaches. Two of Kauaʻi’s most exclusive beaches, Secret Beach and Larsen’s Beach, are along Kīlauea’s coastline. Long, and broad, these are the places to go if you’re hoping to see golden sand for miles. Swimming is dependent on weather conditions. Kīlauea is also the start, or close to the start, of a number of spectacular trails. And it’s got a mini golf course. There’s not a huge amount of accommodation, but there’s a good range.

Kapa’a & Wailua, East Side

Image by Michelle Pitzel from Pixabay

Kapa’a is a warm and charming Coconut Coast community originally built around a coconut market, while also being the largest town on Kauaʻi. There’s still a market — selling products made from coconuts, as well as coconuts — but today there are also boutiques and galleries, and some lovely little cafes and restaurants. Behind the town rises the spectacular Mounou Mountain Range, a hiker’s wonderland, and in front of the town runs the beach(es). Kapa’a’s beaches aren’t the best on Kauaʻi for swimming, because of the unpredictable currents, but they’re beautiful, and quieter than many of Kauaʻi’s other beaches — pick one with a lifeguard, like Legate Beach Park, and you can enter the water with confidence. Just along the beach from Kapa’a is Wailua and Wailua Beach, which is a popular option with surfers because it’s windier. As well as a beach, Wailua also has a namesake waterfall over a dramatic, 80-foot drop into a secret pool in the rainforest.

Waimea, West Side

Image by Monica Volpin from Pixabay

Many of the visitors who choose to stay in Waimea are here for the Waimea Canyon and State Park, which has a stunning collection of natural formations: canyons, waterfalls, lush valleys. And the views are incredible! Waimea was the spot Captain Cook landed on in 1778, and used to be a cowboy town, so it’s got a rich history and atmosphere all of its own. It’s also marked out by its beautiful surroundings and agricultural community — this isn’t a tourist town. There’s limited accommodation here because of it, but what there is is very friendly, and there are some excellent places to eat and drink. The beaches aren’t the best on the island, but there are still some magical choices.